HSBC, KPMG assist JCI to launch competition for best business plan

Supported by HSBC Bank Malta plc and KPMG, the competition is open to individuals, aged between 18 and 40, who want to develop their business ideas, either as an individual or as a group of up to 4 persons.

Annalisa Schembri, 2011 President LoM de la Vallette, JCI Malta said the organisation is once again offering the opportunity for participants to learn and form meaningful relationships with peers and mentors.

“This interaction is priceless and provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to get hands-on experience by turning their business idea into a concrete business plan,” she said.

HSBC Malta’s representative on the JCI panel George Scicluna said HSBC has been helping entrepreneurs to apply, renew and update principles of innovation, creativity and Reserach and Development according to the market realities they operate in.

“It has been a winning formula and one which our organisation is proud to share particularly with budding entrepreneurs, which is the reason why we strongly support Junior Chamber International (Malta) in running this competition,” Scicluna said.

David Caruana, a representative from KPMG said the company believes in a solid and well-prepared business plan, which is one of the first steps which should be undertaken by entrepreneurs to turn a new business idea into reality.

“This is irrespective of how small or large the business venture is thought to be,” he said.

Established in 1994, JCI Maltais part of Junior Chamber International, an independent worldwide community of nearly 200,000 young active citizens in over 120 countries.  Its mission is to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change.  Famous JCI alumni include John F Kennedy, Kofi Annan, Bill Clinton and Bill Gates.

JCI seeks to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among its members and within communities around the world.  To this end, JCI provides young entrepreneurs with the tools and opportunities to turn an idea into a viable business plan.A business plan is a fundamental component which helps build a successful entrepreneurial venture.

As part of the BBP competition, training sessions will be held to understand how to research and write a business plan. Guidance sessions will also be set up to support and guide professionals and provide feedback when drafting the business plan. This will allow the participants to structure a more professional business plan.

 All business plans must be for new start-up enterprises or businesses that have been legally established on or after 1 June 2010 in order to qualify for the 2011 BBP competition.

Applications and business plan proposals for the JCI Malta Best Business Plan Competition are to be submitted by 4 April 2011. Further information and the competition application forms may be obtained by visiting the JCI Malta website at www.jci.org.mt or by contacting Annalisa Schembri on [email protected].